Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda) is hard to find in 2026 due to shortages and high demand. Learn why and what you can do to get your prescription filled.
If you’ve been calling pharmacy after pharmacy trying to fill your Liraglutide prescription, you already know how frustrating it can be. Whether you take Victoza for type 2 diabetes or Saxenda for weight management, getting your hands on this medication has become a real challenge in 2026.
The good news? There are steps you can take right now to improve your chances of finding Liraglutide in stock. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly why this medication is so hard to find and what you can do about it.
Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist — a type of injectable medication that mimics a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1. It works by stimulating your pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar is high, slowing down digestion, and reducing appetite.
Liraglutide is sold under two main brand names:
Both are made by Novo Nordisk and are given as a once-daily subcutaneous injection using a prefilled pen. Since 2025, generic versions of Liraglutide have also become available from manufacturers like Teva and Meitheal Pharmaceuticals.
For a deeper dive into how this medication works, check out our guide on how Liraglutide works.
There isn’t just one reason Liraglutide is hard to find — it’s a combination of factors that have created a perfect storm of limited supply and high demand.
Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of both Victoza and Saxenda, has experienced ongoing manufacturing delays that have put brand-name Victoza on shortage status. The FDA and ASHP have both listed Victoza as being in limited supply due to these production issues. While Saxenda has generally remained available, Victoza supply has been inconsistent since 2025.
The entire GLP-1 drug class has seen unprecedented demand since 2022. Medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound have driven massive interest in this drug class for both diabetes and weight loss. Liraglutide, as one of the more affordable GLP-1 options (especially in generic form), has seen increased prescribing as patients look for accessible alternatives to newer, pricier drugs.
Generic Liraglutide launched in April 2025 when Meitheal Pharmaceuticals brought the first generic version to market. Teva followed with their own generic. However, generic production is still scaling up to meet demand. Injectable biologics are more complex to manufacture than simple pills, so it takes time for generic supply to fully catch up.
Even when Liraglutide is technically available, your pharmacy may not stock the specific version your insurance covers. Some pharmacies prioritize brand-name products, while others only carry generics. Insurance formulary changes can also shift demand between different versions of the drug, creating temporary shortages at individual locations.
For the latest on the shortage situation, see our Liraglutide shortage update for 2026.
Finding Liraglutide takes some effort, but there are practical steps that can help.
Medfinder lets you search for Liraglutide availability at pharmacies near you. Instead of calling dozens of pharmacies one by one, you can check stock in seconds and find out which locations actually have the medication on their shelves right now.
Big chain pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens tend to get cleaned out first because they serve the most patients. Independent pharmacies often have better luck keeping GLP-1 medications in stock because they have more flexibility in their ordering. Ask your pharmacist or use Medfinder to search for independents near you.
If your prescription is written for brand-name Victoza, ask your doctor or pharmacist about switching to generic Liraglutide. Generic versions from Teva and Meitheal are typically easier to find and can cost significantly less — as low as $230 per month compared to $1,000+ for the brand. Learn more about saving money on Liraglutide.
Pharmacies typically receive shipments early in the week. Calling or checking availability on Monday or Tuesday mornings can improve your odds of finding stock before other patients pick it up.
If you’ve been unable to find Liraglutide for an extended period, talk to your prescriber about alternatives to Liraglutide. Other GLP-1 medications like Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy), Dulaglutide (Trulicity), or Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) may be available and appropriate for your condition.
The Liraglutide shortage has been a frustrating reality for patients who depend on this medication for diabetes management or weight loss. While manufacturing is catching up and generic options are expanding, finding Liraglutide still requires persistence and the right tools.
The fastest way to check if a pharmacy near you has Liraglutide in stock is to use Medfinder. It’s free, fast, and can save you hours of phone calls.
For more information about this medication, read our complete guide: What Is Liraglutide? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know.
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